Regarding paddles, Alpacka's trekking pole blades are darn light (3oz) and good for fishing. You can figure out ways to make them work with other brands of poles, or use Alpacka's full 'Ninja' setup for 15oz.

Exact same size, and features, as the regular Klymit LWD, just constructed with lighter fabric. The Klymit LWD uses 210 denier fabric, while the LWD-UL uses 75 denier fabric, similar to what the old Curtis designs rafts were constructed from.

I would say that 350lbs number is a very top end number.

The Alpacka paddles would be an awesome way to go. I plan on doing some hand paddles in the future also.

Josh, this looks great.I'm glad I waited (held off on a Flyte, it had the same issues you are trying to solve).

I do wish you would add a couple tie off loops fore and aft, for a bow or stern anchor line. the slightest wind will blow these things all over the lake. You need a bow or stern option so you don't have to cast backwards and have to look over your shoulder to fish, if the wind is blowing the wrong direction; and I'm not talking about very much wind (even a small breeze will turn the boat around).

And some "Velcro like" hold downs for the rod or paddle when not in use. I use a real paddle because I like to be able to move quickly when the fish move (or when they are not where I'm at but I can see where they are and want to get there before they move again)

I know these kinds of things add weight (though minimal) they are necessary (unless you are just looking for a pool toy). Kind of like having a baseball cap without a brim, though it is functional is doesn't serve its intended purpose.

There are 2 stern tie offs, and 2 bow tie offs, along with 2 more that are near the bow. They are not easy to see in the pictures, because they are integrated into the seam. They get welded into the seam, and are reinforced. I like the Velcro, hold down idea. It should be pretty easy to seam grip Velcro onto the raft where needed. Would not add very much weight at all.

From the looks of it, I think it only has the main perimeter chamber plus a little seat cushion section. You could probably just use a torso length pad and semi inflate/fold the dinghy to use for your bottom half.